New Iowa State faculty and staff members are finding out that even if they never went to college they can still become “Roads Scholars” thanks to a program through the president’s office.

The president’s office has sponsored a trip to state tourist spots for any interested new faculty and staff members since 1991. The trip, which is usually divided into two groups led by ISU President Martin Jischke and Provost John Kozak, involves about 15-30 new people who get a chance to explore the various ways of life in Iowa, said John Anderson, associate director of university relations.

“Participation has steadily grown over the years. The word is getting around and people are looking forward to the tours,” Anderson said.

There was only one group this year, however.

The goal of the program is to give the participants as wide an exposure to the state as possible in two days.

He said the tours typically include stops at a fair, agricultural industry, other industry, high school, community college and a historical site.

This year’s trip late last month covered all of these areas.

Stops included a visit with the tribal historian of the Meskwaki Indian tribe in Tama, Vinton High School, the Iowa Blind and Sight Saving School, a Davenport grain terminal and Rockwell Collins and Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.

The group also visited downtown in the Quad Cities, a Scott County Farm, the Herbert Hoover Library in West Branch and a Marengo 4-H Club.

Though this trip focused on the hog production industry, Anderson said the variety of activities offered something of interest to all of the new members regardless of their interests.

“The whole trip was very well organized,” said Teresa Andres, a temporary assistant professor in foreign language from Santa Cruz, Calf. “I was very grateful to be included.”